Residents urged to work together during the cold snap

Police are calling on Rochdale residents to pull together to overcome the extreme weather conditions.

The town is currently experiencing some of the worst weather in 20 years, with heavy snow and ice creating hazardous conditions for drivers.

Over the past few days many people have been unable to get into work but with further bad weather due this weekend and no thaw expected until next week, Greater Manchester Police is offering advice to help residents return to some sort of normality.

Most of the main road bus and tram routes are up and running, and the majority of train services remain unaffected. Commuters are advised to take public transport wherever possible and avoid traffic congestion on roads that are safe to drive on.

Anyone who does use their car should drive slowly and carefully, leaving plenty of time for their journey.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: "Although this has been the worst weather Greater Manchester has experienced in more than two decades, I have been heartened by the way many residents have reacted, doing everything they can to get into work and keep their businesses and services running.

"I would continue to ask for that same spirit as we try to overcome the wintry conditions that are likely to persist into next week.

"With the vast majority of public transport routes open, I would encourage people to do what they can to get into work so we can return Greater Manchester to some sort of normality. However, the overriding concern must be one of safety, and I would ask that anyone who uses either public transport or their own car is extremely careful."

Residents are also being encouraged to support each other and show their community spirit in tackling the adverse conditions.

ACC Shewan said: "This is a time when everyone can pull together and help each other. If you have an elderly neighbour, take some time to visit them and make sure they have everything they need.

"Similarly, even small acts such as neighbours pulling together to clear their street of snow and ice will help us tackle the bad weather.

"A little bit of community spirit will go a long way towards getting everything back to normal."

Greater Manchester Police has a business-as-usual approach and officers have been going the extra mile to serve the public. However, with the severe weather conditions police are continuing to ask the public to only call 999 in an emergency where there is a threat to life or a crime in progress.